Working full-time and breastfeeding problems

Amy - posted on 09/25/2010
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My daughter is 6 months old and I have been back to work since she was 3 months. While at work I pump and that's what my husband gives her during the day obviously out of a bottle. When at home I bf on demand and up until a couple of days ago had no problems. The last few days I'm having troubles getting her to latchand stay on. She's obviously hungry because she takes a bottle if it's offered to her. I know that my supply is still good I am able to pump about 5 ounces every 4 hours or so. I was hoping some other working moms could offer me some advice if they have experienced something similar. I really don't want to have to start pumping 100% of the time. Also she is not on solids yet other then 1 ounce a day. Please help!!!!

I agree, it does sound as if she's used to a bottle. I've been told that stress can make breast milk taste different too so if your work is stressful that may be part of it. Of course if your daughter isn't having problems drinking milk from a bottle then she's just liking the bottle more than the breast. I went through it with my daughter, and the best thing I did was stop breast milk altogether. I know its the best source of nutrition, but the struggle to pump enough and feed her enough took a toll on her. She had no problems with formula and ate a lot better and quicker after we switched her over.

Does she seem preoccupied when you try to nurse her? She can just be more curious about her surroundings and want to look around. My daughter used to do the same thing where she didn't want to nurse much when I came home. One thing I had to do was nurse her in a room separate from everyone else. We would go upstairs and I would either have the light off or keep it somewhat dim and quiet.

Another thing is that she may be at a point where she likes the flow from the bottle better than the nipple. Milk flows faster from a bottle and she may be getting lazy and not want to put in as much effort to get the milk out. This will eventually lead to your daughter weaning herself off the breast. Mine weaned herself around 11 months....after following the same patterns. I hope this helps.